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It was rumoured for years that the innermost circle of the
Tvind Teachers Group enjoyed a luxury lifestyle far removed
from the Spartan existence of humbler Teachers and
hard-working Humana volunteers. In 2001 this was dramatically borne out when, acting on a tip-off, journalists located the Miami hideaway of Tvind founder Amdi Petersen - a multi-million dollar apartment with marble fittings and sea views in a secure luxury billionaire's island. It also emerged that the leader had exclusive use of a luxury yacht, the Butterfly McQueen. Properties and ship had been secretly bought by the Teachers Group using the familiar network of offshore accounts and front companies. The luxury properties in the USA may be only the tip of the iceberg. There are also reports of a specially designed beachside villa with swimming pool in the Caymans, a huge 'ranch' in Zimbabwe, and plans for a palatial 'retirement' home in the jungle in Fiji. At the time of his arrest, Petersen was flying between the USA and Mexico where he reportedly also had plans to build a villa. During his trial, Petersen has been allowed bail and is currently staying in a fabulously appointed country retreat near Grinsted in Denmark, complete with swimming pool and indoor tennis court, the gift of a wealthy supporter. Reports suggest use of these well-appointed properties and perks is restricted to the highest echelons of the Teachers Group - a couple of dozen loyal people, many of whom are now on trial in Denmark. Less elevated members of the TG have to make do with an engraved watch.
Tvind property companies used |
Fisher Island, Miami
Numbers 5302 and 5352 Fisher Island Drive, were each worth in the region of $6 million (£3.6 million). They were bought for the reclusive couple by offshore real estate companies managed by the Teachers Group. Now sold.
Shamva, Zimbabwe
The Humana headquarters was designed by Danish architect Jan Utzon, a supporter of Tvind, and was opened by Petersen's friend president Robert Mugabe in 1998.
Other properties
Amdi's Danish residence
Teacher's Group headquarters Miami
Administrative centre
Apartment owned by Amdi Source: Danish court report. More information please
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A world headquarters
that Petersen once reportedly boasted is 'so big you could see it from the
moon'. 
Odinsvej 17, Grindsted, Denmark